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Scientific Investigations Map 3292

Prepared for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Geologic Map of Mars

By Kenneth L. Tanaka, James A. Skinner, Jr., James M. Dohm, Rossman P. Irwin, III, Eric J. Kolb, Corey M. Fortezzo, Thomas Platz, Gregory G. Michael, and Trent M. Hare

Thumbnail of and link to report PDF (35.3 MB)Abstract

This global geologic map of Mars, which records the distribution of geologic units and landforms on the planet's surface through time, is based on unprecedented variety, quality, and quantity of remotely sensed data acquired since the Viking Orbiters. These data have provided morphologic, topographic, spectral, thermophysical, radar sounding, and other observations for integration, analysis, and interpretation in support of geologic mapping. In particular, the precise topographic mapping now available has enabled consistent morphologic portrayal of the surface for global mapping (whereas previously used visual-range image bases were less effective, because they combined morphologic and albedo information and, locally, atmospheric haze). Also, thermal infrared image bases used for this map tended to be less affected by atmospheric haze and thus are reliable for analysis of surface morphology and texture at even higher resolution than the topographic products.

First posted July 14, 2014

For additional information, contact:
Astrogeology Research Program staff, Astrogeology Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
2255 N. Gemini Dr.
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Dohm, J.M., Irwin, R.P., III, Kolb, E.J., Fortezzo, C.M., Platz, T., Michael, G.G., and Hare, T.M., 2014, Geologic map of Mars: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3292, scale 1:20,000,000, pamphlet 43 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sim3292.

ISSN 2329-1311 (print)

ISSN 2329-132X (online)



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